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Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun
This is the exterior of Stoney’s Rockin’ Country’s new location in Town Square Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012.
By Conor Shine (contact) 
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012 | 2 a.m.
Related content
The bar is stocked, the dance floor is polished and the mechanical bull is ready to ride at the new location of Stoney’s Rockin’ Country bar, which celebrates its grand opening Thursday night.
A popular stop for those in search of drink specials and country tunes, Stoney’s packed up its old location near Las Vegas Boulevard and Serene Avenue last month and moved 3 1/2 miles north to a spot at Town Square. Stoney Gray, co-founder of the establishment, said the move was prompted by a desire to be closer to the action on the Las Vegas Strip and attract more tourists to the bar.
“It gives an opportunity to reach out and touch that tourist base that we couldn’t do down (at our old location),” Gray said. “We want to be that country destination that I really believe is missing in this town.”
The 19,000-square-foot Stoney’s location at Town Square, which Gray described as part nightclub and part honky tonk, offers a number of new touches, including a gift shop, an expanded dance floor and a DJ booth that can support live radio broadcasting from the club.
It’s also staying open every night of the week, up from four, and will begin hosting private catered events on afternoons and evenings.
The past months have seen the marble accents from the previous tenant, a spa, replaced with dark leather furniture and lots of roughly finished wood paneling as part of a $2.5 million renovation. The company also has hired 70 new staff members as it aims to increase its events business, expand its retail line and book higher-profile country music acts.
Gray is hoping to draw on the millions of visitors who pass through Town Square each year in addition to the loyal following he has built during 20 years in the Las Vegas nightlife industry. After spending several years in a mostly vacant shopping center with only a massage parlor and tattoo shop for neighbors, Gray said he was excited to have high-drawing attractions like the Rave movie theater next door at Town Square.
“You can go to dinner, then you can come in here and go dancing. You can go to the movies and then go dancing,” he said. “Town Square has a function almost every single night, whether it’s a pub crawl or a gourmet tasting.”
With only a few major country music-themed bars in Las Vegas — including Gilley’s and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar on the Strip — Stoney’s has built a strong local following since it opened in 2007.
Amid all the changes, Gray said long-time patrons could expect the same Southern hospitality they found at the old location, plus such attractions as beer pong, bikini bull-riding and line-dancing lessons.
“Our ability to entertain different types of people at one time has stayed the same. People can expect the country western experience they’ve grown to love,” Gray said. “It’s the kind of place where you’ve got a doctor, a lawyer and a construction worker all hanging out together.”
I wish them luck. This ia better location that the old one in a decaying mall.
glad they got a better location and they will do better, although parking will be tougher...I do not know what they will do with that old mall.
I don;t go there since they had all the right wing events for the local hate talk radio station Angle and Arpio
Town Square is cool but parking sucks big time. Especially on the weekends when there's a blockbuster movie showing.
Awesome, now they will jack up the prices. Can't wait to pay more for the same thing...
I heard they stiffed the mall owners at the old location.
doesn't sue lowden own stoney's???
sue lowden who got her butt whooped by sharron angle???
that sue lowden???
hee hee hee...
damn that is still funny...
if so...
you will never see my behind in that joint!!!
Myself, my friend's and family helped fund this entire concept. Stoney (Herald) screwed most of the initial investors that gave him the money to open. It's sad that the people that financed his dream didn't get to enjoy any of the success.Karma will catch up with these guys.
Chris Lowden (Sue Lowden's son) is Harold (Stoney) Gray's business partner. Public records show that "Stoney's North" went BK and left landlord holding the bag for $600K to $1MM in rent. I am not surprised by the above comment that Harold screwed most of his initial investors at the original location near South Point Casino. Higher drink prices and/or cover charges and/or parking problems will drive away most locals. Good Luck Harold, you'll need it; most of your original local crowd from the old Gilley's has left you already!
The thread of comments are beyond petty and foolish you guys. This is not a platform to air out people / businesses dirty laundry whether they have it or not. This town does nothing but thrive on others issues. It's just like the political smear campaigns. Several have gone through issues similar to this, possibly inclusive of you. Don't throw stones... If you're not a fan that's fine but don't publicly attempt to humiliate others. It's just not ok. Very shameful of all you. I bet you wouldn't like it if you were the discussion topic of negativity. Go do something productive for yourself, your family and / or your community! That is meaningful unlike this. It looks like they are still pushing full steam ahead despite the negative comments. Don't let these ignorant people bring your spirits down.
The new Stoney's is an amazing venue that outshines any other country vnue in Las Vegas. The masterminds of Stoney's have not only stepped up their games, but have brought what the locals and tourists are looking for. Hats off to Stoney and the team!!
I had so much attending the grand opening last night!! The music was perfect and refreshing for line dancing, the service was beyond exceptional for such a chill setting, and everyone I encountered was in high spirits. I especially loved the gorgeous costume on the champagne cowgirl.. so creative! The night ended with an entertaining bikini bull riding competition.. what a riot! Can't wait to come back and party again with my girlfriends.
The Grand Opening of Stoney's was so fun last night! I had a great time dancing and hanging out with my friends! The bikini bull riding was so funny! Can't wait for my next adventure to Stoney's!!!!
Stoneys is no longer catering to the locals, they are now after the tourist dollar. Good luck to them, but I will never go to the new location.